Many of us in the family justice system have been saying for a long time that there is an urgent need for better dissemination of research about important issues which guide judicial decision making about children and their futures.

An interview with recently-retired senior judge of the Court of Protection, Denzil Lush, on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme has led to a flurry of comment and discussion this week about the advantages and disadvantages of lasting powers of attorney (in particular for property and affairs) as against deputyship appointed by the Court of Protection.

The concept of “no fault divorce” has gained traction in recent years, but the recent case of Owens v Owens and the image it conjures up of a wife trapped in a loveless marriage has concentrated people’s minds on the issue. As the case heads towards a further appeal hearing in the Supreme Court, David Burrows comments on the prospects for reforming a law to meet its legislators’ true intentions nearly half a century ago.

On 15 August the BBC ran a story about powers of attorney arising from comments made by Denzil Lush, who retired from his position as Senior Judge of the Court of Protection last year. This article attempts to clarify and expand on some of the points made and to provide further information about the issues raised.

Rebecca Williams, client director at Brown Shipley, says that cash flow modelling can make all the difference during divorce negotiations when securing the right settlement for your client and helping them to plan new financial goals for their future.

David Burrows considers the effect of legal professional privilege in the context of advice given by lawyers to those engaged in family law disputes and the circumstances in which the right to confidentiality of such advice may be lifted.

The case of X (A Child) highlights the lack of clinical, residential and other support services so desperately needed by the increasing numbers of children and young people with mental health problems.